Courageous advocates at the Creative for Climate Justice Art Exhibition

In mid-December, the Creative for the Climate young people's art exhibition took place in the Attlee Suite in the Houses of Parliament. This was a joint project run by Christian Aid, Oxfam, CAFOD, Send My Friend to School and the Climate Coalition - and invited schools from all over the country to explore the theme of climate justice as part of their learning in school. Children then created artwork to demonstrate how they felt about all that they had learned.

Eight of our schools in the Chelmsford Diocese submitted their work – all to be included in an online exhibition coming soon. Some also shared their work and their message with families and friends in their local communities- either in churches or in their schools.

Four pupils from two of our schools – St Peter’s C of E Primary school in Sible Hedingham and Great Waltham C of E Primary school – were then selected as part of a small team of young people from across the country, to curate the exhibition – a huge honour and a testament to the passion and commitment they showed in their applications for the role. Well done to Lucy, Daniel, Leo and Florence – you were amazing!

Following a workshop at Christian Aid HQ in the morning, to learn how to deliver campaign messages strongly and respectfully, our curators guided MPs around the amazing art on display. 31 MPs visited the exhibition, which truly represented every corner of the UK and served to amplify young people's voices from within Parliament.

 Many thanks to Rushanara Ali MP, Rachael Maskell MP and Tim Loughton MP for co-sponsoring the event.

Rushanara Ali MP promised to raise the young people's advocacy during her participation at COP28 and Patrick Grady MP spoke about the exhibition in Parliament the following day. MPs all told us how very impressed they were by the art and the tour guides.

Thank you to every school that got involved – your artwork has delivered a strong and important message about the link between climate justice and social justice – and was heard, loud and clear.